John Cerasuolo Co. said that business is good at the foodservice level

by Christina DiMartino | November 01, 2011

Skip and Ken Cavallaro of John Cerasuolo Co.

“We are moving our basic lineup of vegetables currently,” Ken Cavallaro, treasurer of John Cerasuolo Co. Inc., told The Produce News on Oct. 26. “We continue to handle a full line of vegetables from across the U.S. and Mexico.”

Mr. Cavallaro and his brother, Skip Cavallaro, company president, purchased the company in 1972 from its original owners, who had been in business for over 80 years. It has been on the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, since the late 1960s, when the center opened.

Mr. Cavallaro said that there hasn’t been any slacking of business in the New England area during the economic downturn.

“We are unique in the industry,” he explained. “We handle the staple vegetables that people need regardless of whether they eat at home or eat out at a restaurant, and we handle very little in fruits.”

John Cerasuolo Co.’s customers are retail chains, independent retailers and foodservice operators, and the company ships throughout New England. Mr. Cavallaro added that the foodservice sectors are doing well in the areas the company services.

He added that the company exercises extreme caution in making sure that all the companies from which it sources fresh produce are reputable.

“We source from areas and follow the seasons in order to always have our full line of items,” said Mr. Cavallaro. “During this time of year, we have more fall products of course, but our staple items are always available.

“We have had a good year,” he continued, “and hopefully we’ll continue to do well. Providing good customer service and high-quality produce is our goal at all times.”